Q: I’m starting my Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail vacation in Birmingham at Ross Bridge Resort, then heading south to Lakewood Golf Club on Mobile Bay. Is it worth the price to play both courses at Lakewood or should I go to nearby Magnolia Grove to play its Crossings and Falls courses? Matt B., Atlanta, Georgia
Ross Bridge is the best of Birmingham on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
A: Yes, we would recommend playing one of the courses at Magnolia Grove in lieu of playing both at Lakewood. Here’s why:
First, you’ll get a nice change of scenery and topography. Second, you’re going to Alabama to play the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, right? Well, neither Robert Trent Jones nor any of his design associates did any of the work at Lakewood, as it wasn’t originally part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
Yes, the original layout there, called the Old Course, was designed in 1947 by the great Perry Maxwell (who did Oklahoma’s Southern Hills, site of three US Opens and Four PGA Championships), but rather than keeping the grand Old Course intact, Lakewood mixed and matched it with two additional nines, by Joe Lee in 1966 (to form the Dogwood Course) and Ron Garl in 1986 (to form the Azalea Course).
Then, about three years ago, the facility underwent an $18 million renovation and reconstruction (the affiliated Grand Hotel completed its own, $50 million renovation in 2006). It’s always nice to play golf courses that have been recently updated and improved, but it may be even harder to detect Sir Maxwell’s work.
At Magnolia Grove, we found that the Crossings Course was a bit easier than the Falls, despite being the more famous of the two (and host site of an LPGA event). Keep in mind that easier doesn’t necessarily mean “inferior,” unless you’re the type of player who wants the most challenge possible on your Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail vacation.
Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend first making a stop at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Capitol Hill site to take on the ultra-challenging and dramatic Judge course. Heading south on I-65 from the Ross Bridge Resort, it’s directly on the way to Magnolia Grove and Lakewood.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree that Ross Bridge is the best of the Birmingham RTJ courses. Currently (April and May) you will find the rather unsightly scaffolding and stands in prep for Regions Classic in mid-May on the Champions Tour. The more positive note is that the course condition will be excellent. If you like burgers, try the Angus Burger with side salad or fries in the grill. The Ridge Course at Oxmoor Valley would be a second choice if necessary. It’s the only one at OV with bent grass greens. Scenic and impressive topography. Several holes do not show landing areas for the shots… hit it and hope its going to be OK. Also, often cannot see ball’s location from the cart path. There is an additional RTJ site on the way south from Montgomery at Evergreen located a few miles from I-65. Three nines. Scenic with dramatic elevation changes, but give priority to Capitol Hill Judge or Legislator. At Capitol Hill, Judge is the most challenging with varied terrain. Legislator is beautiful, shorter, and still a challenge. Senator is where an LPGA tournament is held. It’s also a good course but I dislike such attempted “links style” which doesn’t copy true links courses with sand dunes.
We, four Swedes, went to Alabama last year. Unfortunately we could not play Ross Bridge since the Champions Tour event was held that week. We did play the Judge though and also the two courses at Grand National and we thought the GN courses were better. Also, about 45 min north of B´ham in Oneonta, is a course called Limestone Springs which is very good. And about the same distance to the west, in Brookwood I think it was, is The Capstone Club which is quite good too and a great argain.
Hans is right about Grand National of the RTJ Trail. None finer. I would have mentioned it except that it isn’t on the way to Mobile. Other favorites of the RTJ Trail? The Shoals near Florence, AL: The Fighting Joe layout gets the press because it’s long and tough, partly lined with trees, partly open “links” style. I prefer The Schoolmaster with more wooded terrain nearer the Tennessee River. Thanks for the comments on Magnolia Grove. I will try that location in early June. In addition to the local RTJ Trail courses, avid golfers could stay in the Birmingham area and find numerous excellent public access courses at moderate prices. Hans mentioned Limestone Springs near Oneonta. I will add another favorite: Farm Links near Sylacauga. (www.farmlinksgolfclub.com) In Birmingham try Highland Park Golf Club: Redesigned and rebuilt about 12 years ago, short, but challenging and fun to play, excellent condition. Those three are all managed by Honours Golf. Other local public favorites are Bent Brook and Eagle Point. Both have bent grass greens and usually in excellent condition. At Eagle Point be wary of stray shots from adjacent holes on the front nine. I prefer the hills and trees at EP over the open terrain at Bent Brook. Bent Brook gets a slight edge in practice and club house facility.
hello we are coming to play rtj 2010 but not sure what month of the year to play any surgestions there is only two of us coming over from kent england